No Visible Power Lines In Chandni Chowk: Delhi's Rs 463 Crore Plan For Underground Wiring In 125 Colonies

Last Updated:February 12, 2026, 07:30 IST

Delhi power minister Ashish Sood said the primary objective is to put unsafe overhead power lines, passing through residential and densely populated areas, under the ground

Soon, you may no longer see power lines criss-crossing above you, especially in the chaotic and tight streets of New Delhi’s iconic Chandni Chowk area.

The Delhi government has given its nod to proposals worth Rs 463 crore for underground wiring across the city – both high tension (HT) and low tension (LT), power minister Ashish Sood announced on Wednesday (February 11).

This work of undergrounding overhead electricity wires will also include 26 roads in Chandni Chowk at a cost of about Rs 160 crore. In an official statement, the government called it a significant step towards strengthening public safety, enhancing reliability of the power distribution system, and improving the overall aesthetics of the city.

Sood said the primary objective of this decision is to put unsafe overhead power lines, passing through residential and densely populated areas, under the ground. This will not only reduce risk to life but also ensure a safer and more efficient power distribution system, he said.

“So far, projects amounting to approximately Rs 463 crore have been approved for this initiative," Sood said. 

WHAT IS THE PROJECT?

Initially, works will be undertaken in 125 colonies and localities across different assembly constituencies with an estimated expenditure of Rs 267.20 crore.

The underground work along 26 roads in the Chandni Chowk area will be carried out at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 159.47 crore.

“As a pilot project, undergrounding of overhead wires has already been successfully completed in BH Block, Shalimar Bagh and C-4 East Block, Janakpuri. This model will be replicated in other areas in the future," Sood said.

He said in 2025, Rs 37.63 crore was approved for 15 proposals related to undergrounding of overhead power lines. The Delhi government has also secured Rs 109 crore for 13 proposals related to shifting HT/LT lines under the special assistance to states for capital investment (SASCI ) scheme, he added.

“Completion of these works will significantly reduce accidents caused by unsafe overhead wires in densely populated areas and provide a safer environment for residents," he said.

The minister said the Delhi government has prepared a comprehensive power system master plan up to the year 2030 with an estimated capital investment of Rs 17,000 crore over the next three years. He said the investment will be through Delhi Transco Limited and distribution companies to upgrade the existing grid infrastructure, establish new grids, ensure continuous and secure power supply, and meet the growing electricity demand. This will include requirements arising from the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, he added.

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